RE: Failover generators

["Phil Harris" <phil@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> There are a few people running generators for backup (or even
> as the main source for) power based around the old Lister CS
> diesel engines, often running on vegetable oil.
>
> These run at ~600rpm and are very simple, yet massively
> over-engineered, so service intervals are huge even when
> running full time, and most maintenance is very
> straightforward.  They're also fairly quiet (I've heard
> stories of people sleeping next to them and you can quite
> easily hold a conversation standing next to one even with no
> exhaust system).

Ah you've gotta love those old engines ... Developed in the 20's and still
being made in India it seems!

See http://www.f1-rocketboy.com/images/DSCF0109.AVI

> Where they're used for backup power they usually seem to be
> coupled to a 230VAC generator head, whereas when they're the
> main power source a 12VDC alternator is often used, charging
> batteries connected to the mains using an inverter.  In the
> latter instance there's also the potential to link the
> coolant system to your DHW/CH.
>
> The down-side is that it's all a bit Heath-Robinson.  But not
> everyone sees that as a problem :)

That'll fit in well around here! :-D

Phil